Can This Inflammation Gene Affect Susceptibility To Lung Failure? (TNF)

Exercise Regularly

Consistent moderate exercise is a great way to reduce inflammatory factors, like TNF-alpha, as well as improve lung function.

While TNF-alpha levels increase shortly after exercise (especially after vigorous physical activity), regular moderate exercise can decrease TNF-alpha levels in the long run [R, R, R, R].

Exercise also improves lung capacity and may help improve outcomes in those that develop ARDS [R, R].

This is because ARDS often leads to muscle weakness, which then lowers long-term survival chances for those that end up recovering from ARDS [R, R].

Research suggests that ARDS patients who are physically active are more likely to live longer and have better quality of life [R, R].

Weight Management

Fat (adipose) tissue can promote the expression and production of TNF-alpha, leading to higher levels [R, R].

Lowering body fat may directly reduce the production of TNF-alpha, leading to lower levels and reduced inflammation [R, R].

Studies also show that obesity is a strong risk factor for ARDS. Those who are overweight are much more likely to develop this respiratory condition [R, R].

Quit Smoking

According to research, tobacco smokers have significantly higher TNF-alpha levels in the blood compared to nonsmokers [R, R].

Inhaled cigarette smoke can increase the production of TNF-alpha in lung cells, which can lead to airway inflammation and lung damage [R, R].

Smoking also makes the lungs much more susceptible to infections, injury, and ARDS. For those that smoke, quitting can be one of the best ways to help prevent ARDS and other lung related conditions [R, R, R].

Healthy Amount of Sun Exposure

Vitamin D deficiency is very common in patients with ARDS. Sun exposure is one of the main ways that the body obtains vitamin D and may actually help prevent certain health conditions [R, R, R].

There is some evidence that correcting vitamin D levels may potentially reduce the risk of ARDS and improve quality of life, although other studies have found mixed results [R, R].

Research also shows that vitamin D may help suppress the expression of TNF-alpha. Maintaining healthy vitamin D levels may help keep TNF-alpha in check [R, R].

Avoid Alcohol Abuse

Elevated blood TNF-α levels have been measured in chronic alcoholics, even in those without liver disease. A meta-analysis associated the ‘A’ variant of the rs361525 polymorphism with alcohol abuse or dependence, but only in those with liver disease [R, R, R].

Alcohol abuse increases inflammation, ARDS incidence, and the risk of developing organ failure or dying from this condition [R]. 

In a study of 351 patients considered at risk for ARDS, 70% of those who abused alcohol developed this complication, compared to only 31% of those who did not drink [R].

Reducing excessive alcohol consumption could be a simple way to help prevent ARDS.

Mediterranean Diet

Research shows that high fat (saturated fat) and high carbohydrate diets can stimulate the production of TNF-alpha [R, R].

One diet in particular, the Mediterranean diet, has been shown to reduce many different inflammatory markers, including TNF-alpha [R, R].

This diet has also been associated with improved lung health, especially in smokers. A study of 207 smokers found that those eating a Mediterannean diet had better lung function than those on a Western diet [R, R, R].

Interestingly, the Mediterranean diet may have a special interaction with the TNF gene. One study of 507 patients with metabolic syndrome suggests that those with the ‘GG’ genotype in rs1800629 may benefit most from the triglyceride-lowering effect of this diet [R].

Garlic

A meta-analysis of 16 clinical trials found that garlic (taken as supplements) reduced the blood levels of TNF-alpha and other cytokines. In a small trial on 22 healthy volunteers, eating a fried tomato sauce with onion and garlic lowered this and other inflammatory markers. The authors attributed the effects not only to tomato’s lycopene, but also to the other ingredients of the sauce [R, R].

Garlic extract and its active compounds reduced lung inflammation and damage in mice with acute lung injury, thus helping prevent its development into ARDS [R, R, R, R].

Vitamin D

As mentioned earlier, vitamin D plays an important role in the immune system and the development of ARDS.

For those that do not get enough vitamin D through sun exposure and diet, supplements may be needed to avoid deficiencies.

Zinc

Similar to vitamin D, the immune system needs enough zinc in order to function properly. Even a mild deficiency can impair immune function and increase the risk of bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections [R].

According to some estimates, zinc deficiency contributes to about 16% of lower respiratory infections [R].

A number of studies also suggest that zinc helps to control TNF-alpha levels in the body [R, R, R].

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Several studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may improve lung function, primarily by reducing inflammation in the airways [R, R, R].

Importantly, 2 meta-analyses concluded that omega-3 supplementation is beneficial to improve ARDS symptoms and reduce its death rate [R, R].

In addition, a study of 642 people with asthma found that higher EPA and DHA levels were associated with a reduced risk of airway hyperreactivity [R].

Research shows that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can also significantly lower TNF-alpha levels [R, R].

Curcumin

Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, is a potent anti-inflammatory that may help suppress TNF-alpha [R, R].

A study in mice found that curcumin helps reduce inflammation and lung damage in mice with ARDS [R].

Although studies have not been performed in humans yet, curcumin is an exciting candidate for future research.

Asian Ginseng

Animal and cell studies indicate that Asian ginseng has anti-inflammatory effects due to its ability to decrease the production of many different cytokines, TNF-alpha included [R].

According to a review of 12 studies involving 1,560 COPD patients, Asian ginseng may improve quality of life and lung function. It also enhanced the effectiveness of drug treatment [R].

In a trial of 227 people, those who took 100 mg of a ginseng extract (G115) were less likely to catch a cold or flu. The ginseng group also had higher levels of NK cell activity [R].

Andrographis

Andrographis is an herb that is commonly used in traditional Chinese and ayurvedic medicine. 

There’s some evidence that the compounds inside this plant can block the production of TNF-alpha as well as reverse its effects [R, R, R].

A meta-analysis of 33 trials with over 7k people suggests that andrographis can help reduce the severity and duration of respiratory infections. There are also promising studies looking into the effects of andrographis in people with pneumonia [R, R].

Probiotics

Clinical research proposes that many types of probiotics may significantly reduce proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha [R, R].

Probiotic supplements, including L. casei, have been found to reduce the incidence of respiratory tract infections [R, R].

NAC

NAC (short for N-acetyl cysteine) is a supplement with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [R].

There is some clinical evidence that supplementation with NAC can help bring down TNF-alpha levels [R].

In one study of 262 older people, NAC cut the risk of catching the flu by 54% [R].

Doctors often add NAC to standard treatments for respiratory inflammation and infections. It helps break down mucus and replenish glutathione in the lungs, thus reducing airway damage and breathing difficulties [R, R, R].

NAC improved lung function and reduced oxidative stress in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), alone or in combination with vitamin C and oxygen [R, R, R].

In two trials of 159 people with ARDS, intravenous NAC improved oxygen supply and reduced the ventilator use. It also reduced lung injury in one trial but not in another. Further research is warranted [R, R].

Selenium

Selenium supplementation reduced TNF-alpha levels in 2 clinical trials on 40 women with gestational diabetes and 82 elderly people vaccinated against the flu. Brazilian nut, a rich source of selenium, had similar effects in 40 hemodialysis patients [R, R, R].

In a clinical trial on 40 people admitted to the ICU with ARDS, intravenous selenium restored the antioxidant capacity of the lungs, reduced the inflammatory responses, and improved lung function. However, it did not affect the survival or duration of mechanical ventilation [R].

Black Cumin Seed

Both the seeds and the oil of black cumin reduced the levels of TNF-alpha and other inflammatory markers in 2 clinical trials on 84 obese women and 43 people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [R, R].

The boiled extract of black seeds improved breathing and lung function, reducing the need for inhalers, in a study of 40 chemical war victims who had breathing difficulties [R].

In animal studies, black seed extract prevented lung inflammation and damage caused by a chemotherapeutic drug (bleomycin), sulfur mustard gas, and hydrochloric acid [R, R, R, R].

Whether this means that black cumin may help prevent ARDS too deserves further research.